Intelligence officer aims to change public view of police

Sharmila Lata with Amelia Leweniqila are all smiles after receiving the award in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH

CHANGING the mind-set of the everyday person's views of police officers is one of the things that 33-year-old Sharmila Lata, an intelligence officer with the Border Police Unit in Nadi, wants to achieve.

Ms Lata is a step closer to painting a more positive picture of the police force after she was awarded the Fijian Host of the Month of May by the Tourism Ministry.

She said the accolade was a great honour for her and her profession.

"It is testament to the hard work put in by police officers protecting our borders," she said of the award.

"I hope that this also changes the views of some locals towards police officers and show them that we can also be friendly, kind and generous while in the line of duty.

"You can approach us and seek assistance with any matter and we are there to serve the people."

Ministry of Tourism permanent secretary Elizabeth Powell said the program marked its 21-month anniversary in May.